One of the things we have enjoyed in our adventures in Spain is the culture. The Spanish tradition of the “abanico” is interesting. The use of the abanico (Fan ) is a long-standing tradition in Spain. The use of the fan in Spain began around the 13th century when fans from the Middle East were brought back by Crusaders.
The tradition of the fan was originally used for cooling a person in the heat of the Spanish weather. It is alleged that the fan was also used as a form of secret coded messages. The “secret” fan language was a means to deal with the restrictive social etiquette. In fact, one of our Spanish friends told us how her mother communicated with her father before they were married through the fan secret language.
The secret language is believed to be as follows:
Open fan over the chest showing the design “Yes”
Open fan over the chest showing the back “No”
Open fan covering one of the cheeks “I like you”
Wave fan very fast: “I really like you”
Wave fan very slowly: “I am not interested”
Open fan covering your nose “I want to see you”
Open fan covering your chin “I want to talk to you”
Closed fan near the heart: “I love you”
Open fan placed over lips: “Kiss me”
Close fan waving; “I am thinking about it”
Hit close fan against hand “Leave me alone”
Open and close the fan: “I am upset”
Open fan waving energetically on one side “Don´t come now, other people around”
The “abanico” is still very popular in Spain and it is not uncommon to see women waving the fan when they are hot. The abanicos are sold extensively throughout the country and it is not uncommon to see tourist buying a cheap fan as a souvenir.
Abanicos on display in Barcelona souvenir store for saleNumerous abanicos on sale at a local department store in Alicante
The abanicos range in price from $1 euro up into the hundreds of dollars. The handcrafted artisan style fans are very beautiful and a piece of art. We looked at some fans on display that were quite expensive and locked inside a display case.
Expensive abanicos on display in locked case at local department store
The style and diversity of the abanicos are truly amazing. There are some for women’s small hand purses, evening classic style and some are works of art used to accent a women’s clothing. We bought a fan to remind us of the tradition. Can you tell which secret Shelley is saying in fan language?
This morning we went to the Medical Clinic called “Clinica Ume” for our medical certificate. This clinic is the approved location for the driver’s licence medical certificate, which is a requirement prior to writing the theory component of the driver licence in Spain.
Shelley and Ray outside of the Clinica Ume
We arrived at approximately 11 a.m. and spoke to the receptionist who could not speak any English. We explained to her why we were there and after a few attempts at making ourselves clear she understood what we needed. She then took some information from us and we waited in the reception area.
Ray and Shelley waiting in reception area for medical test
Approximately 10 minutes later we went into another room with a medical assistant and she conducted a hand and eye coordination test. This test was unique and something we have never done before. It was completed on an old commodore 64 style computer. The test consisted of two parallel lines approximately 1-inch wide which moved down the screen. They moved independently of each other and you needed to maintain two small dots inside both lines as they changed course.
The computer used in medical certification process for driver licence
Once the computer test was completed successfully a digital photo was taken prior to us seeing the doctor. We then attend another room where the doctor did a 10-minute exam that consisted of an eye test and general questions. Once that was completed we were back sent back to the receptionist. We paid our $20. euros each and received our “Informe de Aptitud PSICO-FISICA” aka- medical certificate.
Autoescuela Pausa in Alicante
We then returned to the Autoescuela Pausa to drop off the forms and secure our date to write the theory exam. We were required to pay in advance for the cost of the exam which was $90 Euros each. We also were required to complete another form for the upcoming theory exam. We paid the exam fee and completed the documentation so now we are set for the exam. But wait there is always a catch! What was really interesting is the fact that the government does not advise the location or time of the exam until 24 hours before the test. So we need to wait until September 21st to find out the time and location of our test. This is an interesting process and one that requires some patience.
We are residents of Spain and unfortunately the Spanish government does not recognise our Canadian driver’s licence beyond the first six months in Spain.
We have been studying and preparing for the inevitable task of getting our Spanish driver’s licence. This process began three months ago when we bought the study book in English. The book was very expensive and cost around $150. euros. We also had access to a bank of practice questions online which was a good start for studying.
The system to get your driver’s licence is very different here compared to Canada. All persons getting their driver’s licence are required to take classes at a registered driving school “Autoescuela”. We attended a few of the driving schools to get general information before registering with one of the schools. We decided to go with an autoescuela located not far from where we live.
We registered and paid our $59.95 each for the theory class. It is provided online and is also available in English. We are now working towards the formal written test which we have scheduled for September 22nd.
There are still a few things we need to complete before the test. We are required to obtain a medical certificate at a specific medical facility. This must be done at least one week prior to the test. We are also required to have two passport size photos.
We will be getting these done next week and studying the materials before the test on September 22nd.
On Tuesday evening we went out with friends to a quaint Spanish restaurant called “La Taberna Iberica”. The restaurant is in the old quarter of Alicante in a small alley up some stairs.
The walkway towards La Taberna Iberica Restaurant
Inside the restaurant, we were greeted by the owner who welcomed us more like family than customers. We sat down in the quaint restaurant and chatted with the owner for a while.
Inside La Taberna Iberica RestaurantMike, Ray Liz and Shelley at “La Taberna Iberica” Restaurant
We did not have a menu and only ordered some red wine. What was truly enjoyable was the fact that she decides what to cook and serves us a variety of different dishes.
One of the many courses served to us over the evening
We were served numerous courses of food, including tapas, fish, shrimp, ham, cheese and an assortment of sweet treats for dessert.
When we were leaving the restaurant she took the time to chat with us and walk with us to the door. It was a very nice spot and the service was friendly.
One of the owners of “La Taberna Iberica” Restaurant
After our meal, we took a walk and stopped at a terrace bar in a small hotel called “Les Monges Palace”. The terrace bar was quiet and we had a perfect spot to enjoy a nice after dinner drink. The view from the terrace was beautiful and we could see the Castillo de Santa Barbara.
View of the Castillo de Santa Barbara from the terrace bar
We toured the “Papal Basilica of St. Peter” which is commonly referred to as simply St. Peter’s Basilica.
The St. Peter Basilica with Michelangelo’s done n the Vatican Rome
The history of the church and why it is called St Peter is interesting. Peter was one of the 12 apostles of Christ and was crucified upside down at the top of the hill called “Vaticanus” and the site of the Clementine Chapel. His remains are said to be those contained in the underground Confessio in St. Peter’s Basilica.
We entered the Basilica through the massive main doors and we were immediately exposed to the vast size of the church.
Entrance of the St. Peter Basilica in Rome
The high ceiling and ornate designs were very impressive. The high ceilings accented the vast size of the church. The ceilings were decorated with ornate gold designs and other art motifs with marble pillars throughout.
Ceiling in St Peter BasilicaCeiling section in St Peter Basilica
There were numerous statues throughout the church some of which were from the 1st century. These statues were created by many famous artists including Michelangelo. The first chapel on the right when we entered the Basilica contained the famous sculpture by Michelangelo “Pieta” which he completed before he was 25 years old.
Michelangelo’s “Pieta” sculpture
There were mosaic decorations that were very impressive including the mosaic decoration of the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian. It adorns the chapel of St. Sebastian and at the base of the chapel is the tomb of Saint John Paul II.
Chapel of Saint Sebastian in St. Peter BasilicaThe tomb of Saint John Paul II
The basilica floors were marble and had different designs. One area of the floor had engraved markings identifying different churches throughout the world and their size in comparison to St. Peter Basilica.
St. Peter Basilica floor with engravings of different Churches throughout the world
We went to the center of the Basilica and looked up to see the interior of the Michelangelo’s dome decorated by Calvalier d’Arpino. It is breathtaking with the rays of the sun shining through.
Interior of Michelangelo’s Dome in the St Peter Basilica
We saw so many different monuments, altars and works of art that were very impressive. One monument that was amazing was situated under the Michelangelo dome .
Monument under the Michelangelo dome in St Peter’s Basilica
There is an alabaster window which is quite impressive and large. It is located above the “Chair of St Peter” the window displays a dove signifying the holy spirit.
The window is very large and the dove wing span is 6 feet wide. The beauty of this window is unbelievable. The light shines through the alabaster window highlighting the dove in a stunning and brilliant manner. It is one of the most stunning pieces of art we have ever seen.
We exited the Basilica and stepped out to see and admired the St Peter Square. The size and scope of the square were amazing.
View from the front steps of the St Peter Basilica looking towards St Peter Square
We walked through the square and stopped to see two of the swiss guards who are the official guards of the Vatican since the 15th century. They are wearing their tradition dress uniform whose design is traditionally attributed to Michelangelo.
Two swiss guards protecting an entrance to the Vatican
St Peter Square is a very large area with several iconic features. The square is bordered by two colonnades. They are composed of pillars and on, top there are 140 statues of Saints.
End of the Colonnade in St Peter SquareOne of the colonnades at St Peter Square
From the far end of the square, you overlook the square with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Michelangelo dome in the distance.
View of Saint Peter Square
The square has an Egyptian obelisk from the 1st century which was erect in the centre of the square in the fifteenth century.
Egyptian obelisk of red granite, 25.5 metres tall, in the centre of the St Peter Square
We had a very long day walking through the Vatican museums, The Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Saint Peter Square. It was an amazing experience for us. Below are some pictures from St Peter’s Basilica and the St Peter Square.
Ray and Shelley in the St Peter Square with the St Peter’s Basilica in the background
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